Telephonically programmable apparatus

ABSTRACT

To initialize a remote control device for use in a particular installation, initialization parameters are entered relating to the relationship between user input codes and equipment to be controlled. In the preferred embodiment involving video recorder equipment, the initialization procedure concerns the video channels available to the recorder and remote control codes associated with the operation of the recorder. Using a receive-only modem on the device attached to a phone jack, initialization is performed by dialing up a remote location with a touch tone phone. At the remote end a computer sends selected audio response signals to the telephone receiver requesting that the user key in information using the touch tone pad. The computer then transmits the appropriate signals to the memory of the remote device to initialize it.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/904,553 filed on Jun.26, 1992, now abandoned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to programmable control devices and methods ofinitializing them for use in a particular environment and moreparticularly to a programmable device adapted to be connected to atelephone system and initialized from a remote location via interactivecommunication involving audio signals requesting operator responses viaa keypad.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The development of very low cost microprocessors in the form ofintegrated circuits has led to their incorporation in a variety ofcontrol devices for use in homes or business places. Many of thesedevices require no special initialization or programming before they maybe used, but others must be programmed before use to initialize them forthe particular control environment in which they are to be used. Forexample, a programmable thermostat capable of controlling a home HVACsystem to obtain desired temperatures at all times on a weekly basismust be initialized with the desired program of times and temperaturesbefore it can be used. Another microprocessor based device with aprogram which must be initialized is a remote control for video cassetterecorders to allow the recording of selected future programs.Manufactured by Gemstar, Inc. of Los Angeles, Calif., and sold under theVCR Plus trademark, the operator programs the device to achieve thefuture recording of a particular desired TV program by entering into thedevice's keyboard a short numerical code printed in association with thedesired program listing in a television guide. The device then transmitsinfrared codes to the video cassette recorder, and an associated cabletuner if one is used, to control the energization and tuning of theunits to achieve recording of that particular program.

These units must be initialized for use in a particular environment.Assume, for example, that the same TV listings are made available to twousers of the controls who subscribe to different cable systems and owndifferent VCRs and each of the users wants to record the same programand will key the same codes into their remote devices. The infraredsignals sent out by the two devices to the user's respective VCRs mustdiffer from one another because of two factors: first, a given TVstation will likely be received on a first channel over one cable systemand on a different channel on another cable system; and second, thecontrol codes required to tune and energize the two VCRs will differfrom one another. Accordingly, during initialization the remote devicemust be programmed with information as to the cable channels on whichparticular stations are received and as to the nature of the controlcodes of the associated VCRs and cable boxes. This is typically achievedby throwing a switch on the remote device into a "learn" mode in whichthe operator keys in information relating to the channel allocation ofcable system and the nature of the control codes of the VCR and cablebox, and the present time in a manner described in an operator's manual.This initialization routine is quite complicated and many users abandonthe devices in frustration during an attempted initialization routine.The need for a simplified method of initializing the programming of suchcontrol devices is apparent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is accordingly directed toward a novel method ofinitializing a programmable control device by connecting the device to atelephone system, dialing a remote initializing center preferablyemploying a computer, and providing the computer with information as tothe environment of the control device by using touch tone keys torespond to audio inquiries transmitted by the computer, so that thecomputer can transmit the initializing program for loading in the memoryof the control device. The present invention is also directed towardsuch a programmable control device which is adapted to be connected to atelephone system.

While the present invention may be used in connection with a variety ofcontrol devices which require program initialization, a preferredembodiment of the invention is utilized in connection with aprogrammable, remote control device for achieving recording of futureprograms on a video recorder, of the type previously described, and thepreferred embodiment of the invention will be described in connectionwith such a device.

Rather than initializing the program of the video recorder remotecontrol by the user entering information through the keypad of thedevice, as has been done in the prior art, the present inventionprovides an electrical connection between a receive-only modem connectedto the microprocessor of the remote control device and a telephonesystem jack. This connection allows digital signals transmitted to aphone terminal to be entered into the memory of the remote device inorder to program the memory. These initializing signals are preferablysent from a computer at a remote location, although they may be manuallygenerated at the remote location. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the computer at the remote location includes a source of anumber of audio messages.

To initialize a unit the operator plugs a cord on the unit into a phonejack and dials the remote computer from a touch tone phone connected tothe same phone circuit. The computer then transmits a series of audiomessages to the operator which generally require the operator to respondwith an entry on the touch-tone phone keypad. In order to determine thecable system to which the video recorder to be controlled is connected,the computer may detect the location of the programmable device throughuse of conventional telephone caller identification circuitry, or, as afirst alternative, the computer may transmit an audio message inquiringas to the postal Zip Code of the location, or, as a second alternativethe computer may desire the cable system identification from theresponse to a request for the cable box model number. The computer willinclude a data base relating Zip Codes to particular cable systems andmapping the channel allocation of each system. Similarly, the computerwill transmit inquiries as to the nature of the controlled VCR and cablebox. Using this information, the computer will transmit digital codesover the phone system which will be decoded by the modem and fed intothe memory of the remote device in order to initialize its program. Thecomputer will also send time signals to set the internal clock of thecontrol device, relieving the user of that task.

This interactive system is as simple to use as an automatic bank tellermachine since the remote computer will guide the operator through therequired operations.

The method and apparatus of the present invention greatly simplify theinitialization of programmable control devices to allowcommercialization of a variety of devices which would otherwise requirevery complicated programming. The method and apparatus of the presentinvention also promotes the utilization of existing devices requiringinitialization by simplifying the initialization routine.

Other objectives, advantages and applications of the present inventionwill be made apparent by the following detailed description of apreferred embodiment of the invention. The description makes referenceto the accompanying drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective, somewhat schematic illustration of theapparatus of the present invention connected for initialization of aprogrammable remote control for video recorders;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a section of a television program guideincorporating Gemstar code numbers with each program listing; and

FIG. 3 is an electrical schematic diagram of the system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 1,operates to configure, or initialize, the memory of a device of thegeneral type sold under the Video Plus trademark, for use in aparticular home control environment. The Video Plus device 10 is aremote control unit of hand-held size, including a digital operatorkeyboard 12, operative to transmit infrared control signals to a videorecorder 14, and cable box 16 if one is used in the installation, inorder to cause the units to record particular video programs so that theprograms may be later viewed over a television receiver 18. In a typicalinstallation the television signals are received over a cable 20,although a system may be used with a satellite source of TV programmingsignals or may receive broadcast signals.

When the operator of the unit wants to program the system to record atelevision program occurring at a later time, the operator will consulta television schedule guide printed in a magazine such as TV Guide or alocal newspaper. A section of a typical guide is illustrated in FIG. 2.Each program listing 22 includes a decimal number 24, typically rangingfrom four to nine digits. These numbers encode information relating tothe television channel of occurrence, start time and stop time of theassociated television program. The numbers are provided to publishers ofthe television program listings by Gemstar, Inc. They are encrypted in aspecial code, only known to GemStar, and maintained as a trade secret.

The user enters the code 24 associated with the television programlisting that is desired to record into the keyboard 12 of the unit 10.As will subsequently be described, the unit 10 transmits infraredcontrol signals to the remotely controllable video recorder 14 and theremotely controllable cable box 16, at the time of occurrence of theprograms, to suitably energize the units and tune them to theappropriate channels. The desired program is thus automatically recordedand may be viewed at a later, convenient time by playing the tapecassette containing the recorded program and viewing the program on thetelevision receiver 18.

A schematic diagram of a remote control unit 10 is illustrated in FIG.3. Although the exact construction of the VCR Plus remote control unithas been maintained as a trade secret by Gemstar, and althoughparticular units now available may differ in certain particulars fromFIG. 3, this schematic diagram represents a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention to which one of ordinary skill may refer to constructa unit which will operate similarly to that of a VCR Plus unit.

Referring to FIG. 3, the output of the keyboard 12 is provided to adecoder 26 which performs mathematical operations on the encoded listing24 to produce signals representative of the channel, start time and stoptime of the program which it is desired to record. These signals areprovided to a microprocessor-based control 28. The operation of thedecoder 26 may be performed by the controller 28. The controller, andthe associated electronics of the unit 10, is preferably batterypowered. A real time clock 30 is connected to the controller. Thecontroller stores signals received from the decoder 26 and compares thestart time and end time of decoded program listings with the real timesignals provided by the clock 30 to determine the time to transmitcontrol signals to the video recorder 14 and the cable box 16 if one isused.

The controller also connects to a channel allocation memory 32 whichstores codes mapping the channel identified in a program listing coded24 with the channels provided to the system over the program source 20.The program schedule of FIG. 2 will typically be customized forparticular geographic area, such as metropolitan Chicago. In that area,various subscribers to the publication containing the program schedulewill employ different program sources 20, which as different cablesystems serving part of metropolitan Chicago. A particular programsource, such as the NBC television outlet in Chicago, will be receivedon different channels through different cable systems. Channelallocation memory 32 must store the mapping between the publishedlistings and the channels over which particular television stations areprovided to a given system through the source 20. Memory 32 must beinitialized before the unit 10 may be used with a particularinstallation.

When the start time of a program to be recorded coincides with the realtime as provided by the clock 30, the controller 28 transmits signals toa control code generator 34 specifying the channel to be tuned. Thecontrol code generator connects to a control code memory 36 which storesparticular sequences of infrared signals which are utilized by the videorecorder 14 and the cable box 16. For example, a General Electric videorecorder 20 will typically employ a different set of remote controlcodes than will a Sony video recorder. Before the unit 10 may beemployed in a given installation it is necessary to initialize thememory 36 with information as to the specific remote control codes ofthe units 14 and 16. Utilizing those control codes, the control codegenerator 34 provides signals to an infrared transmitter 38, whichcauses it to transmit the required infrared signals to the videorecorder 14 and the cable box 16 in order to energize them and tune themto the required channel at the start time of a program to be recordedand to deenergize them at the end time of that program.

As heretofore described, the operation of the Video Plus unit 10 isconventional and requires that the operator perform a relatively lengthyand complicated initialization routine, involving setting the clock 30to the real time, and loading the channel allocation memory 32 and thecontrol code memory 36 with the required mappings. It will be understoodthat the arrangement of the units 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36 may differin various embodiments of the invention and all could be performed by asuitably programmed microprocessor.

In accordance with the present invention the unit 10 is also providedwith a receive modem 40 which provides signals to the controller 28during an initialization routine in order to initialize the clock 30,the channel allocation memory 32 and the control code memory 36. A cord42 connects the receive modem 40 to a male phone plug 44 which may beplugged into a conventional phone jack 46 during the initializationoperation. Phone jack 46 is preferably a T-connector adapted to receivetwo male plugs at the same time so that a conventional touch-tonetelephone transceiver 48 may be plugged into the same telephone circuitas the plug 44. Alternatively, plug 44 and telephone transceiver maleplug 50 could be plugged into jacks in different rooms which areconnected to the same telephone circuit. As another embodiment, the unit10 may be provided with a female phone-jack for receipt of the plug 50,eliminating the need for connector 46.

To begin the initialization routine the user preferably dials atoll-free number which connects the users installation to a remote,central computer 52 via the public telephone switching network 54.

Computer 52 has access to a data base 56 which stores informationrelating to channel allocation patterns of cable systems, satellitesystems, TV broadcast stations and the like and also stores informationrelating to the control code patterns utilized by various makes andmodels of video recorders and cable control boxes. The data base 56 alsopreferably stores information relating to the geographic coverage ofcable systems in the region served by the computer 52.

Computer 52 also connects to an audio message memory 58 which stores anumber of messages that may be transmitted by the computer 52 to theunit 10 being initialized. The computer 52 is controlled by a suitableapplication program, to cause it to communicate interactively with theuser of a touch-tone telephone 48 which calls up the computer. Thecomputer sends audio messages to the telephone 48 requesting theoperator to provide responses via the touch-tone keyboard relating tothe program source 20 available to the operator and the manufacturer andmodel number of the video recorder 14 and cable box 16 so that theircontrol codes may be determined by the computer 52 from informationstored in the data base 56. The computer then transmits signals throughthe switching network and the cord 42 to the receive modem 40 within theunit 10 which provides the required initializing signals for the clock30, channel allocation memory 32 and control code memory 36 to thecontroller 28.

For example, the computer may initially inquire as to whether a usersystem receives signals from a cable network, satellite network orconventional broadcast signals. The user may be requested to hit numeral1 if a cable source is used, numeral 2 if satellite reception is used or3 if broadcast reception is used. If cable reception is used, thecomputer may use caller identification circuitry to identify thelocation of the user and then consult the data base 56 to determine thecable system serving that geographic area. If more than one cablenetwork serves a particular geographic area, the computer may transmitan audio message inquiring of the operator as to which of the two cableservices is utilized.

Alternatively, the computer may transmit an audio message to the userinquiring as to the postal Zip Code of the user's location and maydetermine the nature of the cable service from that response. Similarinquiries as to the make and model number of the video recorder 14 andcable box 16 will enable computer 52 to determine the required mappingof the control code memory. Using a clock 62, the computer 52 will alsotransmit initializing signals for the clock 30 within the unit 10.

The entire initialization routine will only require a few minutes andthe user will be guided in providing responses so that the user requiresno special knowledge of the system.

After the system is initialized, the phone plug 44 may be removed fromthe jack 46 and the cord 42 may be stored for future use. The user maythen proceed with operation of the Video Plus unit in the same manner asif it had been initialized in accordance with the prior art.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art as to the manner inwhich other devices requiring program initialization be converted to thesystem of the present invention.

Having thus described my invention I claim:
 1. In a video recordercontrol device of the type having an alterable memory for storingparameters related to the operation of said video recorder, apparatusfor remotely configuring such memory, comprising:means for electricallycoupling said control device to a first terminal end of a telephonesystem having a touch tone transceiver connected thereto; a computersystem connected to a second terminal end of said telephone system; asource of audio messages connected to said second terminal end of thetelephone system; and an application program resident in the computer,operative, upon said first terminal end of the telephone system beingconnected to said second terminal end, to select certain of said audiomessages for transmission to said second terminal end of the telephonesystem so that they may be telephonically received at the first terminalend and will direct the operator at the first terminal end to provideinformation relating to the nature of the operating environment of saidvideo recorder through touch tone responses to cause said computer togenerate and transmit signals from said second terminal end to saidcontrol device which will program said alterable memory of said devicewith the parameters required for a control program enabling said controldevice to properly operate said video recorder.
 2. The control device ofclaim 1 wherein said parameters comprise conversion codes relating tothe channel assignments of a video program source connected to saidvideo recorder.
 3. The control device of claim 2 in which said controldevice constitutes a remote control for said video recorder, the remoteincluding a keyboard and a remote control transmitter operative totransmit the signals to the video recorder to cause it to record aparticular program identified by codes entered by a user onto saidkeyboard.
 4. The control device of claim 3 further including means atsaid second terminal end for identifying the location of said firstterminal end and for providing data relating to said location of saidfirst terminal to said control program.
 5. The control device of claim 1wherein said device comprises a remote control for a video recorderhaving a multichannel cable as its source of video programming, andwherein one of the audio responses to an operator at the first terminalincludes a query as to the geographic location of said first terminal.6. The control device of claim 5 wherein said query relates to thepostal Zip Code at the first terminal.
 7. The method of configuring aprogrammable control device for use with a video recorder connected to amultichannel programming source, comprising:connecting a programmablememory of the control device to a first terminal of a telephone system;connecting a touch tone telephone transceiver to said first terminal ofsaid telephonic system; using said touch tone codes to connect saidfirst terminal to a second terminal of said telephonic system;transmitting a series of audio inquiries from said second terminal tosaid first terminal; manually inputting responses to said audioinquiries onto the keys of said touch tone transceiver; using saidresponses to formulate configuring signals for said programmable memoryof the control device including data relating to the relationshipbetween the codes entered into the programmable device by an operatorand the channel designations of said multichannel source; andtransmitting said configuring signals to the memory of the devicethrough the telephonic system.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein saidaudio inquiries are generated by a computer.
 9. The method of claim 7wherein said programmable device transmits a series of digital signalsto the video recorder and the programmable information further includesdata relating to the control codes of the remote receiver for the videorecorder.
 10. The method of claim 7 further including the step ofgenerating signals at said second terminal representative of thelocation of the first terminal and providing said signals to said secondterminal.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein said signals representativeof the location of the first terminal are provided as a response to anaudio inquiry transmitted from the second terminal to the firstterminal.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the programmable deviceincludes operator actuable means for placing the device in either afirst, training mode in which memory of said device is programmed, and asecond, operating mode in which the device operates to perform itsnormal video recorder control function.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 inwhich the programmable device includes a real time clock and saidsignals transmitted from said second terminal to said control deviceinclude signals for setting said clock.
 14. The method of claim 7wherein one of said audio inquiries requests the postal Zip Code of thelocation of the programmable device.
 15. The method of claim 7 whereinthe multichannel source employs a cable tuner and one of said audioinquires requests the model number of said cable tuner.